Scarlet fever scare

Parents were vigilant about their children’s health and alarmed when scarlet fever was diagnosed in isolated cases in Vaalwater.

The school management of Laerskool Vaalwater was pro-active and sent their learners home on Monday 11 March to be monitored by parents and seek medical advice if any of the symptoms were
detected. This was also preventative as scarlet fever is contagious.

Although some learners did show symptoms, these cases can only be validated after a swab was taken and a culture is grown in a laboratory. This can take from five to seven days before official
results are available. Local medical practioners said that there are currently patients with mild airway infections and although the symptoms are similar the diseases are different.

Derick Kganyago, spokesperson for the provincial Department of Health said that an investigating team paid a visit to the school and rendered support where it was due. He could not confirm how
many suspected cases of scarlet fever were reported and concluded that the official report will be made available pending the results.

The news of a possible scarlet fever outbreak spread like wild fire on social media. Parents commented on many forums that they were keeping their children at home as a safety precaution. The
school management on the other hand, urged learners who did not have any of the symptoms to return to school as valuable teaching time is going to waste.

According to Dr. Mich Veldman, renowned local medical practitioner of Modimolle, scarlet fever is not a deadly illness. The disease is, however, highly contagious. The symptoms can be severe
and must not be neglected. High fever, a “strawberry tongue”, sore and red throat and tonsils with a red rash over the body are some of the early symptoms to look out for. The classic scarlet
fever cases are a rarity.

Local practitioner in Vaalwater, Dr. Rentia van Jaarsveld-confirmed that the symptoms can be treated by antibiotics and treatment can commence before the official test results are available.
This will diminish the risk of the Streptococci bacteria of growing and turn into more severe ailments, for example rheumatic fever.

Dr. van Jaarsveld confirmed that two of her colleagues, Dr Cas Breedt in Modimolle and Dr, Peter Farrant, in Vaalwater had confirmed cases of scarlet fever in Vaalwater.

The School Governing Body said that management cannot issue any statements prior to the official results been made available and the Departments of Health and Education have given directives.

The principal of Laerskool Vaalwater, Mr. Leonard Vorster, said he had no comment until such time as the official reports are issued.

— The BEAT